IC-NRLF 


3fl<E> 


PENTECOST. 


'  The  fires  that  rushed  ou  Sinai  down 
In  sudden  torrents  dread, 

Now  gently  light  a  glorious  crown, 
On  every  sainted  head. " 

— KEBLE'S  Whitsuntide. 


BY  S.  L.  LITTLE. 


NEWPORT,  R.  I. : 

DAVIS   &  PITMAN'S  STEAM  PRINTING  PRESS. 
1869. 


TO 
MISS  MARGARET  K.   PARISH, 

T1IK      1>RAR      YOUNG      FBIEN1>      WHO     HAS     GIVEN      H  H  B  8  F.  I.  H  , 
WITH      RUOll      FAITH      A  N  1>      I>  E  V  O  T  I  O  N  , 

To 'tire  J{'s!iiJt  o*'  Ori-  '£•  «l»  « m«  i  . 

THIS      POEM      18      A^FFF.  (1TIO  N  AT^L.Y    ,1  7«  f|  O  B  I  K  K  I)  , 

1   'BY'TIIE  \T,TIIOP.  : 


M191979 


INTRODUCTION  TO  PART  FIRST. 

(Tim*  between  Passover  and  Pentecost.) 


LEBANON,  Lebanon  !  Queen  of  the  mountains! 
Crowned  with  thy  cedars  and  clear,  sparkling  foun- 
tains ; 

Now  is  the  time  when  thy  leaf  buds  are  showing, 
Now  is  the  time  when  thy  spring  breeze  is  blowing, 
Now  the  song  of  the  turtle  the  valley  is  cheering, 
And  the  full,  ruddy  buds  on  the  vines  are  appearing. 
All  over  the  land  of  Jehovah's  electing, 
The  ripe  spring  of  the  Orient  her  work  is  perfecting. 
In  the  morning,  what  tintings  of  purple  between 
The  breaking  grey  mists  of  the  day  dawn,  are  seen. 
How  early  the  shepherd  is  leading  his  flocks, 
Where  the  stream  gurgles  down  from  the  deep  rifted 

rocks. 

The  peasant  goes  forth  with  a  song  to  his  toil, 
And  in  simple  faith  trusteth  the  seed  to  the  soil. 
The  country  is  still  in  Judea  the  blest, 
But  is  their  famed  beautiful  city  at  rest? 
No,  no  ;  the  Great  Prophecy  glooms  o'er  the  land, 
The  times  of  the  Gentiles — their  triumph  at  hand — 


6  INTR  OD  UCTION. 


And  the  terrible  curse,  their  own  wild  imprecation, 
Hangs  like  a  charged  thunderbolt,  over  the  nation. 
Although  yet  for  a  while  the  fires  they  smother, 
Feuds  are  arising  twixt  Brother  and  Brother. 
The  mother  receiveth  her  first  born  with  tears, 
And  the  joy  of  maternity  fades  into  fears. 
Yet  ever  long  suffering,  the  wrath  of  the  Lord 
Not  yet  on  the  recreant  people  is  poured. 
One  more  act  of  mercy — one  more  act  of  grace, 
E'er  the  judgment  of  Heaven  descends  on  the  race. 


PART    FIRST. 


I. 

(HARAN)  Is  this  thee,  Enos  f  I  had  thought  thee  dead. 

Our  hopes  once  more  to  meet  were  not  in  v;iin  : 
But  since  mi  parted,  many  years  have  fled. 

What  brings  thee  to  Jerusalem  again  ? 

Pleasure,  or  friendship,  or  the  love  of  gain  '. 
(Exes)  Not  riches,  for  in  Persia  I've  great  wealth  ; 

But  while  at  home,  I  said,  u  At  any  cost, 
I,  verily,  for  soul  and  body's  health, 

Will  deck  the  Templet  Gate,  at  Pentecost ;" 

So  writh  a  caravan  the  country  crost. 

II. 

Here,  Ilaran,  my  choice  offering  behold, 

By  hands  of  a  most  cunning  workman  wrought. 

See  how  the  grapes  glow  in  the  molten  gold. 
To  give  a  rare  and  costly  gift  I  sought, 
And  with  a  guard  the  sacred  treasure  brought. 

Thou  knowest  that  at  the  Gate  called  Beautiful, 
Where  costly  gifts  of  rich  devotion  shine, 

There  hangs  a  vine  of  golden  clusters  full. 
Anchof  my  pious  fealty  the  sign, 
I  haste  to  add  this  precious  gift  of  mine. 


PENTECOST. 


III. 

But  first  pray  say,  how  went  the  Passover  ? 

(HARAN)  Now  tell  me,  Enos,  if  thou  hast  not  heard, 
And  yet  of  old  Jerusalem  a  lover. 

I  thought  the  news  the  very  world  had  stirred. 

And  yet  to  thee  in  Persia  came  no  word  ? 
(Exos)  Amassing  treasures,  of  my  business  full, 

And  in  my  warehouse  often  night  and  day, 
My  ears  to  Rumor's  varying  voice  were  dull. 

What  wondrous  thing  transpired  on  that  great  day, 

I  pray  thee  tell,  and  then  I  go  my  way. 

IV. 

(HARAN)  First,  I  must  ask  thee,  if  no  tidings  came 
Of  a  great  Prophet  out  of  Galilee, 

Who  filled  the  land  with  His  surpassing  fame — 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  1     Came  no  word  to  thee 
Gf  all  the  works  He  wrought  so  marvellously  ? 

(Exos)  Yea,  I  remember  during  the  past  year, 
When  ruddy  clouds  the  brow  of  Evening  wreath, 

A  travelling  Rabbi  to  my  home  drew  near, 
And  out  upon  the  open  flowery  heath, 
All  night  we  sat,  the  spreading  palms  beneath. 

V. 

There,  till  the  low  moon  kissed  the  Western  Sea, 

In  lovely  words  as  ever  Angel  saith, 
Sweetly  he  talked  with  my  young  wife  and  me — 

And  how  she  listened  till  she  held  her  breath, 


PENTECOST. 


My  young  believing  wife  Elizabeth  ! 
He  told  that  out  of  Nazareth,  that  place 

We  always  thought  to  Sin  and  Satan  sold. 
Proverbially  destitute  of  grace, 

A  Prophet  comes,  whom  his  disciples  hold 

To  be  the  very  Christ  our  Oracles  foretold. 

VI. 

He  told  how  once  a  sudden  tempest  swept 
Around  their  vessel,  out  in  the  mid  sea, 

While  in  the  hinder  part  the  Master  slept — 
To  Him  the  trembling  men  affrighted  flee ; 
"  Save  or  we  perish,  Lord,"  their  urgent  plea. 

He  rose,  and  forward  on  the  deck  He  went — 
One  glance  around  the  deafening  tempest  cast ; 

Strong  winds,  wild  lightnings  rent  the  firmament^ 
The  roaring  waves  urged  by  the  stormy  blast, 
Dashed  their  mad  waters  o'er  the  creaking  mast. 

VII. 

Impetuous  on  the  cruel  surges  press — 

Each  black  and  threat' ning  wave  comes  nearer  si  ill. 

To  overwhelm  the  vessel  in  distress. 

He  saw,  and  all  He  said  was,  "  Peace,  be  still :" 
The  raging  waters  felt  His  mighty  will. 

Yea,  as  He  spoke  the  word  with  grandeur  meet, 
Hushed  in  an  instant  was  the  wild  alarm  ; 

The  waves  slept  in  the  moonlight  at  his  feet ; 
The  distant  Heavens  obedient  to  the  charm, 
Looked  down  on  Earth,  magnificently  calm. 


10  PENTECOST. 

VIII. 

All  this  and  more  our  sacred  Rabbi  told. 

He  left  us  as  the  morning  skies  grew  bright, 

Charmed  with  his  gracious  speech,  and  yet  behold, 
Our  next  day's  guest  made  me  forget  him  quite, 
And  the  strange  legend  of  that  summer  night. 

'Twas  one  who  dealt  in  pearls  and  gems  with  me, 
And  did  such  royal  merchandise  unlade, 

The  rarest  treasures  of  the  Earth  and  Sea, 
As  gave  such  glorious  impetus  to  trade, 
I  thought  no  more  of  what  the  Rabbi  said. 

IX. 

Though  ever  and  anon  my  thoughtful  wife, 
During  those  evening  walks  we  loved  so  well. 

Would  say  to  me,  "  Oh,  I  would  give  my  life 
To  hear  the  Rabbi  Nicodemus  tell 
Of  Him  who  could  the  raging  waters  quell." 

(HARAN)  Well,  friend,  I  have  strange  sequel  to  relate. 
Here  is  my  shady  garden  close  beside  ; 

So,  e'er  thou  hang'st  thy  offering  at  the  gate, 
Come  enter  in,  and  wait  till  eventide, 
Or  if  it  please  thee,  longer  time  abide. 


[They  enter   the    Garden.     After   refreshments, 
JSaran  commences.'] 


PENTECOST.  11 


X. 

Now  nearly  seven  weeks  tlieir  course  have 
rolled, 

Since,  while  the  Passover  was  kept  in  state. 
Jesus,  of  whom  our  holy  Rabbi  told, 

Suffered  to  death  a  malefactor's  fate, 

Led  to  his  shameful  Cross  without  the  Gate. 
'Tis  true,  He  spoke  'gainst  priest  and  Pharisee, 

Struck  at  their  barriers  with  His  word  of  might. 
Threw  down  their  strongholds  of  iniquity ; 

And  on  the  waiting  people  poured  the  light ; 

This  was  the  secret  cause  of  all  their  spite. 

XL 

He  gained  some  tine  disciples  from  the  crowd 

Who  nocked  to  hear  His  heavenly  ministry  ; 
Alas !  the  rest  like  me  to  Mammon  bowed. 

There  is  one  thought  which  gives  to  me  the  key, 

Unlocking  all  this  seeming  mystery  ; 
How,  so  soon  after  His  triumphant  hour, 

Entering  the  city,  that  his  wily  foes 
Could  turn  around  the  changing  people's  power, 

So  that  against  Him  they  as  one  arose. 

The  cause  of  this  I  will  in  time  disclose. 

XII. 

His  life,  a  river,  rolling  from  its  source, 

We  saw  in  bright  progression  onward  move, 
Grow  more  and  more  resistless  in  its  course, 


12  PENTECOST. 

In  mighty  miracles,  in  deeds  of  love, 
In  speech  all  human  eloquence  above. 

All  this  in  multitudes  the  faith  awoke, 

That  this  was  He  to  olden  prophets  shown  ; 

Destined  to  break  the  Gentiles  "iron  yoke, 
Great  David's  Tabernacle  fallen  down 
To  build  again  and  wear  his  kingly  crown. 

XIII. 

Of  late  a  miracle  of  Godlike  power, 
A  fitting  climax  for  career  so  great, 

Deepened  the  master  feeling  of  the  hour  ; 
Increased  to  passion  marvellous  to  relate, 
The  people's  reverence  and  the  priesthood's  hate. 

There  dwelt  in  Bethany  a  family — 
And  many  in  the  city  say  they  were 

In  ancient  times  a  race  of  high  degree — 
A  brother  and  two  sisters  ; — often  there, 
Would  Jesus  in  his  journeyings  repair. 

XIV. 

He  held  with  them  a  tender,  sacred  tie — 
Time  will  not  now  suffice  me  here  to  tell 

How  came  about  so  deep  a  unity  ; 

But  it  was  sweet  to  Jesus  there  to  dwell, 
Where  love  like  Eden's  dew  around  him  fell. 

It  happened  He  to  Galilee  had  gone, 

And  on  the  bed  of  pain  was  Lazarus  laid. 

Though  instantly  the  news  to  him  was  borne  -f 


PENTECOST.  13 


Yet  strange  to  tell,  He  went  not  to  their  aid  ; 
Two  days  passed  on,  yet  still  the  Lord  delayed. 

XV. 

Then  spake  He  :   "  Our  friend  Lazarus  sleeps,  but  lo  ! 
I  go  that  I  may  waken  him  from  sleep." 

"  Lord,  if  he  sleeps  he  Avill  do  well  we  know  ; 
Good  for  the  sick  are  slumbers  long  and  deep, 
His  meaning  Christ  no  more  will  secret  keep. 

"  La/arus  is  dead,"  He  said,   "and  I  am  glad 
I  was  not  there,  that  ye  may  now  believe," 

And  His  disciples,  now  no  longer  sad, 

His  words  with  faith  and  reverence  receive, 
And  some  the  hiding  of  His  power  perceive. 

XVI. 

Meantime  to  Bethany  by  friendship  led, 

With  many  Jews  I  went  on  the  fourth  morn, 

To  comfort  the  two  sisters  o'er  their  dead. 
We  came,  but  Martha  suddenly  was  gone  ; 
We  thought  she  went  beside  'the  grave  to  mourn. 

Mary  sat  still ;  no  words  her  grief  expressed  ? 
The  silent  flow  of  tears  all  uncontrolled, 

Alone  the  fullness  of  that  grief  confessed  ? 
Her  hair  hung  loosened  from  its  golden  fold, 
And  glimmering  through  her  tears,  her  eyes  were 
lovely  to  behold. 


14  PENTECOST. 


XVII. 

A  sign  is  given,  and  Mary  leaves  her  seat  ; 

Her  sister  Martha  stands  without  the  gate  ; 
With  a  low  whisper  and  embrace  they  meet, 
And  hastening  onward  not  a  moment  wait. 

We  saw,  and  pitying  their  lonely  state, 
Behold,  w^e  said,  these  sisters  go  to  weep 

Over  the  grave,  and  we  will  with  them  go. 
It  moves  the  heart  to  see  a  grief  so  deep. 

Let  us  our  kindliest  sympathy  bestow, 

While  mingling  with  their  own,  our  tears  fraternal 
flow. 

XVIII. 

Yet  not  towards  the  grave  the  sisters  bent 
Their  flying' footsteps  as  if  winged  by  woo. 

But  through  the  open  country  road  they  went. 
We  followed  in  their  wake,  with  steps  more  slow. 
Wondering  and  querying  whither  they  would  go. 

The  road  turned  sharply  down,  leading  between 
Tall,  graceful  sycamores  in  stately  pride. 

Suddenly  before  us  stood  the  Nazarene, 
And  Mary  weeping  as  she  saw  Him,  cried, 
"  Lord,  hadst  thou  been  here,  Lazarus  had  not 
died." 

XIX. 

(ENOS)  How  looked  the  Prophet  at  that  time,  I  pray  ? 
Tell  me,  I  know  that  thou  canst  picture  well. 


PENTECOST.  1.5 

(HAKAN)  No  mortal  limner  might  the  work  essay, — 

Can  words  describe  the  Indescribable  ? 

Could  earthly  language  Heavenly  glories  tell. 
Then  might  I  the  pure  loveliness  portray, 

Illumining  those  lineaments  divine, 
The  marvelous  Presence  I  beheld  that  day. 

Where  the  real  majesty  of  Heaven  did  shine. 

Through  a  Humanity  as  weak  as  mine. 

XX. 

Jesus  in  spirit  groans,  through  strong  desires, 
O'er  the  Pale  Foe  to  win  the  victoiy. 

"Where  have  ye  laid  him?"  in  low  voice  inquires. 
The  tremulous  answer  was,  "Lord,  come  and  see." 
Thereat  He  wept  so  long  and  heavily, 

''Behold,  how  well  he  loved  him,"  was  our  word  ; 
(At  sight  of  this  fond  flow  of  tears  He  shed): 

Yet  if  He  has  such  power  as  we  have  heard, 
Why  is  good  Lazarus  numbered  with  the  dead. 
Why  came  He  not  before  the  spirit  fled?" 

XXI. 

We  stood  in  awe  around  the  rocky  cave  : 

Still  was  the  earth,  and  still  the  watching  skies 

A  stone  concealed  the  opening  of  the  grave  ; 
"Take  ye  away  the  stone,"  the  Master  cries, 
The  rising  glory  gathering  in  His  eyes. 

Then  Martha :  "Lord,  'tis  four  days  since  he  died  ; 
Conniption  has  begun  its  work  abhorred." 


16  PENTECOST. 

•'Said  I  not  unto  thee,"  Jesus  replied, 

"That  if  thou  truly  wouldst  believe  my  word, 
Thine  eyes   should  see  the  glory  of  the  Lord  ?" 

XXII. 

Then  Jesus  raised  His  eyes  so  gloriously  : 

"Father,  I  thank  thee  thou  hast  heard  my  prayer. 

And  well  I  knew  thou  always  nearest  me  ; 
But  for  their  sakes  do  I  this  witness  bear. — 
These  listening  multitudes  who  present  are  ; 

I  said  it,  that  they  may  the  truth  receive , 
That  I,  as  sent  from  thee,  on  earth  appear, 

And  with  the  heart,  may  on  my  name  believe." 
He  ceased  the  holy  words  of  mystery  dear, 
Which  the  still  heavens  and  earth  seem  hushed  to 
hear. 

XXIII. 

And  now  behold  Him, — who  a  while  ago, 

At  thought  of  Lazarus  and  the  mourning  band. 

Sat  down  and  wept  in  weakness  and  in  woe, — 
Before  the  open  tomb,  behold  him  stand, 
With  Life  and  Death  at  his  supreme  command. 

"Lazarus,  come  forth,"    He  cries  with  a  loud  voice  ; 
Out  from  the  grave  he  cometh  at  that  word — 

Out  from  the  grave ! — Let  Heaven  and  Earth  rejoice  ! 
Bound  hand  and  foot   he  stands  before  the  Lord, 
Full  of  the  fresh  new  life  through  all  his  being 
poured. 


PENTECOST.  17 

XXIV. 

Hear  to  the  simple  words  midst  all  this  glow, — 
This  crowning  excellence  of  Godlike  power, — 

These  simple  words,  "Loose  him  and  let  him  go." 
The  humility  and  grandeur  of  that  hour, 
How  does  it  over  human  greatness  tower  ! 

Men  flaunt  their  vaunted  fame  in  God's  pure  sight, 
But  mark  the  lowliness  and  majesty 

Commingled  in  the  Son  of  His  delight. 

The  very  dead  are  raised ;  yet  look  and  see 

Even  then  how  meekly  shines  the  true  Divinity  ! 

XXV. 

Now  many  of  the  Jews  believed  that  day  ; 

(I  marvel  there  was  left  one  doubting  one  !) 
But  some  most  strangely  blinded  went  their  way. 

And  told  the  Pharisees  what  He  had  done. 

Then  the  dark  plot  against  His  life  begun. 
Throughout  the  Country,  went  the  great  renown 

Of  this,  of  all  His  works  the  most  sublime. 
But  in  Jerusalem  the  Priesthood  frown 

Against  the  rising  Spirit  of  the  time, 

And  fast  their  hatred  ripens  into  crime. 

XXVI. 
Yet  through  the  masses  of  the  people  went 

A  growing  feeling  daily  rising  higher, 
That  in  this  mighty  Prophet,  God  had  sent 

To  longing  Israel  her  true  Messiah, 


18  PENTECOST. 

Whose  promised  Advent  fired  her  sacred  Lyre. 
Hopeful  they  looked  deliverance  to  see, 

And  as  the  Day  of  Passover  drew  near, 
Wherever  there  a  group  of  Jews  might  be, 

Were  earnest  questionings;  "Will  He  be  here," 

Some  from  excited  hopes  and  some  from  love  siri 
cere. 

XXVII. 

After  the  miracle  as  Jesus  knew 

And  needed  not  that  any  should  disclose, 

The  envious  hate  that  would  His  life  pursue, 
To  avoid  the  present  rage  of  priestly  foes, 
And  bide  His  time,  He  to  the  desert  goes, 

A  time  of  rest,  retirement,  and  prayer, 
But  when  six  days  to  Passover  remain, 

Leaving  the  City  Ephraim  where  they  were, 
With  His  disciples  (an  increasing  train) 
Jesus  appears  in  Bethany  again. 

XXVIII. 

How  welcome  to  the  blessed  trio  there, 
Upon  their  threshold  beautiful,  His  feet. 

The  zealous  Martha  must  a  feast  prepare, 
Yet  calls  not  now  her  Sister  from  that  seat, 
To  the  rapt  listener  more  than  ever  sweet. 

Soon  of  His  reappearance  there  we  heard  ; 
As  Bethany  is  an  adjacent  town, 


PENTECOST.  19 

The  Heart  of  old  Jerusalem  was  stirred, 
And  many  to  the  village  hastened  down  ; 
I  with  the  rest  despite  the  Rabbi's  frown. 

XXIX 

The  Supper  for  the  Company  was  spread, 

When  we  arrived.     Among  the  Guests  we  trace 

Him  who  was  newly  risen  from  the  dead. 
Martha  was  serving  with  her  wonted  gra<  < . 
But  Lazarus  at  the  table  had  a  place, 

The  very  sight  of  him  awaking  praise. 

Glowing  arid  fresh  with  new  found  life  he  seemed, 

And  ever  as  on  Jesus  turned  his  gaze, 
His  eyes  with  silent  hallelujahs  beamed 
To  Him  who  had  from  death,  body  and  soul  re- 
deemed. 

XXX. 

I  saw  not  Mary  till  she  forward  came. 
On  her  had  fallen  an  Inspiration  great ; 

The  inflowing  Spirit  shook  her  conscious  frame, 
For  the  young  Prophetess  must  consecrate 
Her  much  loved  master  to  His  coming  fate. 

She  bears  a  box  of  spikenard  in  her  hands. 
No  costlier  ointment  rich  Arabia  knows. 

With  reverential  pause  beside  Him  stands. 

She  breaks  the  Box  ;  then  trembling  nearer  draws, 
And  on  her  Savior's  head  the  Last  Anointing  pours. 


20  PENTECOST. 


XXXI. 

While  the  rare  odor  tills  the  room  around, 
And  the  disciples  reverence  the  deed, 

One  sordid  soul  among  their  ranks  is  found, 
And  moved  by  envy  and  his  grasping  greed, 
From  him  these  jealous  murmerings  proceed. 

u Why  was  this  waste  of  precious  ointment  made, 
Whose  costly  price  would  give  the  poor  relief?" 

This  Judas  said  not  caring  for  the  poor, 
But  that  he  had  the  bag  and  was  a  thief, 
Nay  more  was,  in  his  heart,  a  traitor  to  his  Chief. 

XXXII. 

The  Master  speaks  with  calm  authority. 
"Let  her  alone,  for  verily  I  say, 

Mary  has  wrought  a  holy  work  on  me, 
Coming  beforehand  in  prophetic  way, 
To  anoint  my  body  for  the  burial  day  ; 

And  Whereso'er  this  Gospel  shall  be  shown 
Throughout  the  world,  the  pious  deed  ye  blame 

Shall  as  her  sweet  memorial  be  known, 
And  consecrate  to  ever  living  fame, 
The  blessed  memory  of  this  woman's  name. 

XXXIII. 

The  poor  ye  always  have,  not  always  me ; 

These  ye  may  always  bless ;  I  go  from  you." 
He  ceased.     The  night  was  waning  fast,  and  we 

Our  homeward  course  from  Bethany  pursue. 


PENTECOST. 


Our  thoughts  were  many,  but  our  words  were  few. 
The  sight  of  Lazarus  to  life  restored, 

The  act  whose  meaning  we  not  yet  discerned, 
That  mystical  anointing  of  the  Lord, 

We  pondered  much  upon,  as  we  returned, 

Till  now  the  Temple's  lights  before  us  burned. 

XXXIV. 

Jerusalem's  great  crowd  was  much  increased. 

Fast  through  all  ranks  the  stirring  rumor  flies, 
He  is  at  hand,  and  coming  to  the  feast. 

I  saw  the  popular  current  stronger  rise, 

Nor  did  what  followed  take  me  by  surprise. 
At  Bethany  when  night  to  dawn  gave  place, 

Around  the  master  came  the  faithful  band. 
Towards  Jerusalem  He  sets  His  face, 

But  first  to  two  disciples  gives  command 

To  hasten  to  a  village  near  at  hand. 

XXXV. 
There  at  the  meeting  of  two  roads  ye  find 

An  Ass  arid  foal  as  yet  by  man  unused, 
Arid  after  ye  her  tethered  colt  unbind, 

Bring  both  to  me — ye  shall  not  be  refused, 

For  when  the  owner  asks  why  they  are  loosed, 
And  ye  shall  say  the  Lord  of  them  hath  need, 

Immediately  will  both  to  me  be  led 
Even  by  the  owner  with  a  ready  speed. 

The  two  disciples  on  their  errand  sped, 

And  found  it  even  as  the  Lord  had  said. 


22  PENTECOST. 

XXXVI. 

Tell  ye  the  Daughter  of  Zion,  Behold, 

Having  Salvation  now  cometh  thy  King — 

Thus  sung  thy  Bards  and  thy  prophets  of  old — 
Thy  sweet  Psalms  of  Glory  exultingly  sing, 
Wide  open  the  Gates  of  thine  excellence  flingy 

Riding  an  Ass  and  the  Foal  of  an  Ass, 
In  the  beauty  of  meekness,  He  cometh  to  reign. 

Go  spread  down  thy  garments  the  way  He  shall  pass. 
Wave  thy  green  palms,  shout  again  and  again, 
Jesus,  Messiah,  the  Kingdom  obtain. 

XXXVII. 

The  tidings  to  the  City  comes  that  morn, 

Which  much  the  excited,  earnest  people  charms, 

Of,  Jesus  on  His  way  in  triumph  borne — 

How  they  rent  down  the  branches  of  the  palms, 
And  waved  them  as  He  went,  singing  their  glorious 
Psalms. 

On  hearing  this,  issuing  from  every  street, 
Another  multitude  their  branches  bring, 

And  hasten  through  the  open  Gates  to  greet, 
With  praises  jubilant,  the  coming  King, 
And  loudly  thus  their  royal  Anthem  sing. 

XXXVIII. 

Hosannu  in  the  Highest !  thus  sang  Israel  the  saved. 
Blessed  be  the  King  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord ; 


PENTECOST.  23 

Blessed  be  the  Kingdom  of  our  Father  David. 
That  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
Hosanna  in  the  Highest!  thus  they  sang  in  full 

accord. 
Oh  !  nature  grew  the  brighter  in  the  voices  of  their 

cheering. 

Those  fair,  auroral  skies  seemed  to  keep  the  Jubilee. 

Flushed  warmer  in  the  light  of  His  glorious  appearing. 

The  birds  their  matins  singing  so  sweet  in  every 

tree, 

As  though  in  their  notes  revealing,  This  is  He ! 
This  is  he ! 

XXXIX. 

But  when  Jerusalem  appeared  in  sight, 
Even  as  they  came  to  Olivet's  descent, 

Spread  out  in  beauty,  in  the  morning  light, 
While  the  ascending  Hallelujahs  rent 
The  conscious  glowing,  echoing,  Firmament, 

Over  the  Prophet's  brow  a  shadow  swept, 
A  tenderness  that  could  not  be  represt, 

And  at  the  height  of  glory  Jesus  wept — 
Wept  o'er  His  own  Jerusalem  the  blest — 
And  in  prophetic  words  her  coming  doom  exprest. 

XL. 

The  excited  people  noted  not  that  day, 

So  high  their  own  aspiring  hopes  take  wing, 
The  fearful  portent  that  His  words  convey, 


24  PENTECOST. 


But  still  the  exultant  Hallelujahs  sing, 
Till  rocks  and  vallies  with  the  echoes  ring. 

Swept  through  the  open  gates,  the  mighty  throng, 
Towards  the  Holy  Temple  onward  pressed, 

All  ripe  in  faith,  all  rapturous  in  song. 
Even  the  little  children  joined  the  rest, 
And  their' s  of  all  the  praises  pleased  Him  best. 

XLI. 

(ENOs)  How  went  it  on — this  wondrous  History  f 
For  I  must  hear  it  to  its  termination. 

(HAKAN)  I  will  go  on  to  unfold  this  mystery. 
The  people's  heart  was  hot  with  expectation, 
That  He  by  Godlike  power  would  save  the  nation. 

Many  succeeding  days  they  momently 

Hoped,  that  His  royal  entrance  went  before 

His  showing  forth  as  Shiloh  gloriously, 

And  that  He  should  to  Judah's  hand  restore 
The  Imperial  Sceptre,  to  depart  no  more. 

XLII. 

Else  why  should  He,  the  people  reasoning  say, 

Enter  the  Holy  City  as  her  king ; 
And  when  to  David's  royal  Son  that  Day, 

Children  Hosannas  in  the  Temple  sing 

And  Pharisees  would  check  their  infant  offering, 
Why  did  He  say :   If  hushed  their  joyful  shout, — 

The  sweet  perfection  of  all  praise  to  me, — 
The  very  stones  around  us  would  cry  out. 


PENTECOST.  25 


Yea,  if  ye  hush  their  voices,  praise  shall  be, 
Though  the  dull  rocks  break  forth  in  grateful  har- 
mony. 

XLIII. 

I  said  the  general  heart  was  all  on  flame  ; 

Nor  yet  the  Pharisees  their  wish  fulfil, 
Though  with  insidious  craft  and  artful  blame 

D.iily  they  worked  to  change  the  people's  will. 

The  people  anxious  wait — The  Master  still 
No  aim  to  make  Himself  a  monarch  shows. 

Serene,  majestic  in  the  Holy  Place, 
Wonderful  wisdom  from  His  lips  o'erflows, 

So  sweet  the  wisdom,  and  so  great  the  grace, 

God  talketh  with  His  creatures  face  to  face. 

XLIV. 
But  that  Day's  triumph  seemed  to  be  an  Act, 

Which  from  His  after  History  appears 
An  isolated  and  prophetic  fact, 

Foretelling  what  shall  come  in  latter  years, 

After  long  ages  pass  of  hopes  and  fears. 
But  daily  listening  to  His  discourse, 

Such  words  as  these,  were  then  a  mystery, 
And  yet  they  struck  me  with  a  pleasing  force : 

uAnd  I  if  I  be  lifted  on  the  tree, 

Become  the  ground  of  hope  and  draw  all  mim  to 
me." 


PENTECOST. 


XLV. 

But  at  that  time,  blinded  like  all  the  rest 
Who  more  the  worldly  than  the  Heavenly  seek, 

I  longed  to  see  an  Earthly  Crown  invest 

That  glorious  brow ;  but  when  I  heard  him  speak, 
All  earthly  honors  seemed  for  Him  too  weak. 

It  seemed  as  though  His  Being's  primal  flower, 
Its  human  blossoming  of  truth  and  grace, 

Condensed  its  sweetness  in  that  Crisis  Hour. 
A  strange  attractive  sadness  o'er  His  face, 
So  won  my  heart,  'twas  hard  to  leave  the  place. 

XL  VI. 

Such  golden  parables  as  left  His  lips  ! 

More  lovely  than  before  His  doctrine  flows ; 

Yet  then  the  Cloud  that  should  awhile  eclipse 
The  Light  of  Israel,  in  the  distance  rose — 
On  the  Horizon's  verge  its  shadow  grows. 

A  day  or  two  before  the  Feast   began, 

I  talked  with  some  and  found  their  hearts  were  sore, 

A  bitter  disappointment  rankling  ran, 

He  was  their  King  and  David's  Son  no  more, 
And  not  the  Anointed  Christ  foretold  of  yore. 

XL  VII. 

A  Pharisee  was  talking  to  a  crowd, 

And  I,  none  knowing  of  my  mind,  drew  near. 

Oh  !    cunning  was  the  speech,  wherewith  he  bowed 
The  people  to  his  will.     I  paused  to  hear, 


PENTECOST.  27 

And  these  the  words  that  pained  my  listening  ear : 
"Ye  dwellers  at  Jerusalem,"  said  he, 

"Beneath  the  shadow  of  your  Temple  dear 
Had  never  left  your  homes  this  man  to  see, 

But  many  strangers  at  our  feast  appear, 

New  to  our  faith,  and  to  our  customs  here. 

XL  VIII. 

These,  spite  our  graver  counsels,  outward  draw 
Your  thoughtless  multitudes  with  loud  acclaim, 

To  meet  the  Nazarene,  as  with  a  score 
Of  Galilean  followers  He  came, 
The  Son  of  David,  His  assumed  name. 

Their  turbulent  Hosannas  fill  the  air ; 

They  praise  and  glorify  each  wondrous  deed, 

Though  well  they  know  our  holy  men  declare, 
He  with  the  Prince  of  Devils  is  agreed, 
And  thence  these  powerful  miracles  proceed. 

XLIX. 

Disturber  he   both  of  the  Church  and  State, 
Against  him  wisely  from  the  first  we  strove, 

And  should  we  doom  him  to  a  traitor's  fate, 
Great  Caesar  will  our  loyalty  approve, 
And  heavy  taxes  from  your  wealth  remove. 

(ENOS)  And  what  came  next  ?  The  turning  of  the  tide 
Is  not  more  sure  than  popular  reverse ;  . 

A  veering  wind  changing  from  side  to  side, 

Hard  on  the  people's  blessing  waits  their  curse : 
But  go  thou  on  the  story  to  rehearse. 


28  PENTECOST. 

L. 

i 
(HAKAN)  That  very  night,  the  Paschal  supper  o'er* 

Walking  abroad  to  ^njoy  the  evening  air, 

Jesus  with  His  beloved  friends,  I  saw 

Cross  the  Brook  Cedron,  to  a  garden  there, 
Where  He  would  often  with  the  twelve  repair. 

I  often  watched  them  on  their  way  before, 
But  on  this  evening  as  their  course  I  trace, 

There  comes  upon  my  soul,  such  reverent  awe, 
Yet  such  attraction,  that  with  slackened  pace 
I  followed  in  their  wake,  till  near  the  place. 

LI. 

But  when  they  all  had  entered  in.  why  then 
If  there  had  been  a  guard  of  angels  sent, 

All  visible  to  sight  of  mortal  men, 

They  could  not  more  my  following  steps  prevent  ; 
And  thus  repelled,  I  at  a  distance  went, 

Hidden  by  a  clump  of  trees,  I  took  my  seat  ; 
Spell  bound  and  fastened  down  I  seemed  to  be, 

Unable  to  go  on  or  to  retreat, 

Looking  towards  the  Garden,  where  to  me 
Even  the  Olive  Trees  waved  consciously. 

LIT. 

Oh,  how  I  longed  even  then  to  join  with  them  ! 

But  could  not  waken  the  courageous  thought, 
Unused  against  the  popular  tide  to  stem  ; 

But  while  contending  passions  in  me  wrought, 


PENTECOST.  29 


The  tramp  of  coming  feet  attention  caught, 
And  I  beheld  an  armed  band  advance, 

Weapons  and  torches  flashing  in  my  sight. 
I  knew  their  traitor  leader  at  a  glance. — 

False  Judas, — Oh  what  treachery  and  spite 

Lurked  in  the  darkness  of  his  face  that  night ! 

LIII. 

They  hastened  to  the  Garden,  I  grew  faint 

And  swooned  away,  and  visions  then  were   shown 

Too  holy  to  be  seen,  even  by  a  Saint ; 

For  in  that  trance  I  saw  where  prostrate  thrown, 
Jesus  the  mystic  winepress  treads  alone. 

I  saw  Him  in  an  agony  of  Prayer, 

No  help,  the  passion  of  His  struggle  stayed, 

Till  the  great  drops  of  blood,  fell  to  the  ground. 
The  Father's  answer  then  no  more  delayed. 
An  angel  hastens  with  the  succoring  aid. 

LIV. 

And  while  with  awe  the  vision  I  behold, 

A  sudden  terror  o'er  my  heart  was  brought  ; 

A  voice  cried  in  my  hearing  "He  is  sold," 

It  woke  me  from  my  trance.    With  anxious  thought 
And  hasty  steps,  the  olive  grove  I  sought. 

Master  and  men  had  gone,  but  in  one  place 
Where  trodden  grass  showed  where  his  steps  had 
been, 

I  thrilled  to  see  the  recent  crimson  trace 


30  PENTECOST. 

Of  blood  amoDg  the  flowers  and  verdure  green. 
Ah  then  'twas  true  the  vision  I  had  seen. 

LY. 

"  Jesus  is  sold  !"  again  that  voice  I  hear. 

Back  to  my  home  I  haste  with  trembling  soul, 

That  watchful  night  no  sleep  to  me  drew  near. 
As  through  my  veins  a  burning  fever  stole, 
Came  thronging  thoughts  I  could  no  more  control  ; 

But  when  the  long  and  wretched  night,  was  done — 
The  lingering  hours  that  I  had  counted  o'er — 

Just  when  the  purpling  clouds  foretell  the  Sun, 
I  fell  asleep,  but  wakened  with  a  roar 
Of  maddening  voices — Springing  to  the  floor. 

LVI. 

t  to  my  casement  haste  with  trembling  frame, 
With  shaking  hand,  aside  the  curtain  draw. 

Rushing  and  roaring  down,  the  people  came, 
Led  by  their  Priests  and  Elders,  but  before 
Centurion   and  Roman  band,  I  saw — 

Oh,  sight  of  sights  that  checked  my  bated  breath, 
Bearing  His  Cross  upon  His  bleeding  back, 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  they  lead  to  death. 

Oh,  cruel  Cross,  the  Infernal  Roman  rack  ! 

Oh, precious  dropping  blood,  wetting  the  dusty  track ! 

LVII. 

Oh,  ragged  bloody  crown  of  thorns  entwined 
By  ruffian  hands  in  taunting  mockery  ; 


PENTECOST. 


Oh,  hear  again  the  furious  shout  behind, 

Where  some  whose  late  Hosannas  reached  the  sky? 

Now,  ''Crucify  Him  !  Crucify  Him  !"  cry. 
One  only  object  caught  away  my  soul, 

So  that  no  more  I  heed  the  multitude  — 
The  victim's  face,  thus  hurried  to  the  goal, 

Where  shone  through  all  the  torture,  dust,  and 
blood, 

Such  glorious  purpose,  and  such  changeless  good. 


His  face  with  such  unconquered  sweetness  beamed, 

Surrounded  by  this  raging  enmity, 
Heaven  in  the  very  midst  of  hell  it  seemed. 

Sick  as  I  was,  such  passion  seized  on  me, 

I  had  to  follow  Him  to  Calvary, 
The  fever  lending  me  its  burning  force. 

Reaching  the  Hill,  without  the  power  to  fly, 
I  had  to  see  Him  nailed  to  the  Cross. 

Oh,  Heaven  !  I  had  to  see  it  raised  on  high, 

And  hear  the  jeerings  of  the  passers  by. 

LIX. 

A  witness,  suffering  with  him  all  the  time, 

I  had  to  see  him  in  slow  tortures  die  — 
See  all  his  agony,  severe,  sublime  — 

I  had  to  hear  the  exceeding  bitter  cry, 

Eloi,  Eloi,  Lama  Sabacthani  ! 
The  words,  the  deeds  I  hear,  as  each  transpires, 

Sweet  incense  offered  with  that  Sacrifice 


«2  PENTECOST. 

Consuming  on  in  pain's  intensest  fires, 

Until  I  hear  the  cry  as  He  expires, 

Tis  finished !     Glory  lights  the  languid  eyes, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  bows  His  head  and  dies. 

LX. 

That  instant,  Lo,  what  mighty  tokens  sent 

The  attending  Priests  who  in  the  Temple  walk. 

Behold,  the  veil  from  top  to  bottom  rent, 
The  solid  Earth  doth  quake,  and  every  rock 
Is  riven  assunder  by  the  appalling  shock. 

Yea,  some  new  power  does  Death's  dominion    shake, 
Some  graves  of  saints  are  opened  as  He  dies, 

The  dead  within  them  from  their  sleep  awake. 
Struck  at  the  awful  sight  with  terror  and  surprise, 
"Truly,  this  was  the  Son  of  God,"  the   amazed 
Centurion  cries. 

LXL 

Some  neighbors  bore  rne  home,  arid  long  I  lay 
So  low,  no  conscious  life  within  me  stirred, 

Exhausted  by  the  experience  of  that  day ; 
But  after  my  recovery,  then  I  heard, 
He  had  fulfilled  His  own  prophetic  word. 

There  came  an  earthquake,  just  as  the  gold  dawning 
Upward  its  earliest  rays  of  light  had  thrown, 

Belting  the  eastern  sky  on  the  third  morning, 

Long  e'er  the  Sun's  red  rays  the  mountains  crown— 
And  lo,  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  came  down. 


PENTECOST. 


LXIL 

He  comes,  and  rolls  the  ponderous  stone  away 
(Such  excellence  of  strength  the  angels  know,) 

From  Joseph's  new  made  grave  where  Jesus  lay, 
His  countenance  like  lightning,  and  the  flow 
Of  his  fair  raiment  whiter  far  than  snow. 

The  keepers  of  the  tomb  are  struck  with  dread ; 
Such  sudden  terror  does  their  souls  surprise, 

They  tremble,  quake,  and  fall  around  as  dead: 
None  but  the  Glorious  Angel's  gladdening  eyes 
Behold  the  Conqueror  of  the  Grave  arise. 

LXIII. 

None  but  those  angel  eyes  of  purest  flame, 
All  luminously  holy  as  they  are, 

Could  see  Him  as  from  out  the  grave  He  came, 
Dealing  of  every  wound  the  sacred  scar, 
Yet  fresh  and  beautiful,  the  Bright,  the  Morning 
Star. 

I  almost  see  Him  at  the  entrance  stand, — 
He  who  for  us  the  Powers  of  Darkness  braved ; 

The  Keys  of  Death  and  Hell  are  in  His  hand, 
And  such  sweet  triumph  on  His  face  engraved — 
The  wondrous  work  is  done,  the  world  is  saved. 

LXIV. 

Before  He  left,  the  Lord  commanded  them, 

(And  faithfully  His  orders  they  attend) 
"  Tarry  ye  still  here  at  Jerusalem ; 


PENTECOST. 


A  few  days  only  after  I  ascend, 

I  will  the  Promise  of  the  Father  send. 

So  daily  in  an  upper  room  they  meet, 

In  instant  prayer,  from  morn  till  eventide, 

Jeered  at  by  thoughtless  mockers  in  the  street, 
While  graver  men  in  graver  terms  deride 
What  they  call  madness  and  persistent  pride. 

LYV. 

Friend,  three  days  brings  the  Sabbath ;  the  next  day 
Is  Pentecost.     I  pray  thee  do  not  seek 

Thy  home  as  yet,  but  be  prevailed  to  stay 
Over  the  Feast  with  me,  and  in  the  week 
We'll  go  and  hear  these  men  of  whom  I  speak. 

(ENOS.)  Good  friend,  thus  long  I  joy  to  be  thy  guest, 
For   much    thou    knowest,    and   much    \  long    to 
know  ; 

But  now  the  sun  looks  to  the  kindling  west, 

And  while  new  thoughts  within  my  bosom  glow. 
Unto  the  Temple  with  my  gift  I  go. 


PA  It  T 


SECOND 


INTRODUCTION  TO  PART  SECOND. 


'Tis  the  morning,  early  morning — 

Eastern  glories  are  reflected 

From  the  west  in  rosy  purple, 

Touching  every  russet  mountain  ; 

And  along  the  silent  valleys, 

Every  flower  now  lifts  her  censer 

Full  of  breathing  fragrant  incense, 

Praying  for  the  dewy  blessing — 

Praying  for  the  golden  sunshine. 

Not  yet  clear  the  face  of  heaven, 

But  every  where  there  is  a  breaking, 

And  the  little  clouds  are  whispering 

To  one  another  of  fair  weather, 

As  the  blue  breaks  down  between  them. — 

Telling  they  shall  soon  be  melting 

In  the  coming  fiery  sunshine ; 

And  the  clouds  like  tender  lovers 

Part  and  weep  and  change  their  color. 

Every  where  is  softer  beauty, 


38  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

Than  if  cloudless  fell  the  day-beam. 
Now,  ere  yet  the  stir  beginneth, 
While  the  day  is  in  its  cradle, 
Readest  thou  in  the  still  expansion 
Of  the  mellowing  sky  above  thee, 
A  sweet  augury  of  something 
Secret  in  the  young  day's  bosom  ? 
In  the  wind  among  the  branches, 
In  the  veiy  dew  that  falleth 
Like  some  consecrating  unction. 
There  has  gone  abroad  a  spirit 
As  of  holy  preparation, 
Reverential,  yet  reviving. 
In  the  sighing  of  the  cedars, 
In  the  refluent  wave  that  greeteth 
The  green  banks  of  holy  Jordan, 
All  seemeth  as  in  happy  waiting ; 
And  the  temple  on  Moriah 
Gleameth  like  a  mount  of  diamonds 
In  the  glorious,  gorgeous  sunlight — 
Showeth  like  a  type  terrestial 
Of  the  far-off  Holy  City, 
Of  Jerusalem  the  golden. 


/MA"/'   .s7iY70.V/>. 


I. 

(H.\i{.\x)  A  goodly  day,  friend  Enos,  for,  behold. 

O'er  fleeting  clouds  the  Sun  has  risen  fair. 
Tinging  our  Temple's  top  with  flaming  gold. 

Thither  at  once  thus  early  we  repair, 

Even  now  the  Nazarenes  are  gathering  there ; 
For  these  few  days  they  stay  from  morn  till  eve, 

Convened  together  in  the  house  of  prayer, 
According  to  the  word  by  .Jesus  given, 
Until  the  Father's  gift  descend  from  heaven. 

II. 

(ENOS.)  How  swift  we   came!  now  in   the   Temple 
here, 

Haran,  the  company  so  well  you  know, 
As  passing  on  successive  groups  appear, 

To  me  the  leading  ones  among  them  show. 

First,  who  is  this  ?     Some  chosen  one,  I  trow, 
For,  oh  !  he  hath  upon  his  angel  face 

A  settled  rapture — an  abiding  glow, 
As  heaven  already  were  his  dwelling  place, 
So  great  the  fullness,  and  so  rich  the  grace. 


40  PENTECOST. 

III. 

Yet  though  such  meekness  does  his  look  control, 

Such  warmth  is  blended  with  the  gentleness, 
He  hath  by  nature  sure  a  fiery  soul, 

Yet  love  subdueth  now  nature's  excess  ; 

And  gazing  on  that  face,  I  must  confess, 
Haran,  it  bears  an  aspect  so  divine, 

I  long  the  love  within  me  to  possess. 
Of  which  that  countenance  gives  such  clear  sign. 
God  of  my  fathers,  be  that  spirit  mine  ! 


(HARAN.)  This  is  the  loved  disciple,  John,  so  blest 

He  could  in  his  simplicity  draw  near 
His  heavenly  Master  more  than  all  the  rest, 

Because  he  had  the  love  that  casts  out  fear  ; 

And  tenderly  did  Jesus'  trust  appear, 
When  in  His  final  tortures  as  He  died, 

He  gave  into  his  hands  that  mother  dear, 
Whom  John  now  duteously  leads  by  his  side, 
As  if  she  were  by  nature's  ties  allied. 

V. 

See  the  blest  mother  pass  along  with  him. 

You  may  not  see  her  fairly  through  that  veil  ; 

Her  face  is  sweeter  than  a  seraph's  hymn, 

For  although  years  have  told  a  saddening  tale 
Since  first  the  greeting  angel  said  "All  hail," 

Of  grace,  through  all  her  pain,  she  feels  no  loss, 


PENTECOST. 


But  all  it  was  to  be  His  mother  knew, 
As  she  beheld  Him  dying  on  the  cross, 
And  Simeon's  prophecy  became  too  true, 
Even   when    the  Unseen  Sword,  had   pierced    h<-r 
through. 

VI. 

Those  that  are  passing  now  are  the  Eleven. 

Seest  thou  that  man  ?     He  is  a  leading  one  : 
To  him  was  the  first  revelation  given 

That  Jesus  Christ  was  the  Eternal  Son  ; 

Yet  Satan  partial  victory  o'er  him  won. 
The  powers  of  darkness  did  thus  far  prevail, 

That  on  the  night  when  they  the  Master  tried, 
He,  cowering,  felt  his  vaunted  courage  fail, 

And  being  pressed  he  thrice  his  Lord  denied 

Before  the  cock    crew  twice,  to  tell  'twas  morning 
tide. 

VII. 

But  bitter  his  repentance,  so  his  Lord 

Did  afterward  apostleship  restore. 
Such  lesson  did  that  fearful  fall  afford, 

It  made  the  Saint  far  humbler  than  before  ; 

Experience  teaches  us  a  golden  lore. 
'Tis  said  when  Jesus  did  his  power  restore, 

He  intimated  that  the  day  should  come, 
When  the  stern  death  His  heavenly  Master  bore, 

Should  of  the  servant's  trial  be  the  sum, 

And  win  the  immortal  crown  of  martyrdom. 


42  PENTECOST. 


VIII. 

(ENOS.)  They  all  have  passed;  but  in  the  Temple's 

porch 
We'll  walk  and  talk  together,  for  I  feel 

Some  influence  that  like  a  flaming  torch 
At  darkest  midnight,  does  to  me  reveal 
My  deepest  self,  my  spirit's  eyes  unseal. 

These  few  past  days  I  feel  the  growing  force 
Of  something  new  within,  for  hitherto 

My  life  has  been  of  gold  a  gainful  course — 
No  higher  object  yet  I  held  in  view, 
Until  Christ's  wondrous  history  I  knew. 

IX. 

"They  all  of  one  accord  were  in  one  place  " — 
Lo,  such  a  true  accord  earth  has  not  known, 

Since  first  in  Paradise  the  evil  root 

Of  enmity  by  Satan's  hand  was  sown, 

Flowering  in  Cain's  deep  hate,  murder  its  fruit, 
Since  then,  enlarged  by  many  a  spreading  shoot 

Violence  has  filled  the  earth — war's  killing  thunder 
Jarring  God's  harmony  with  rupture  rude — 

But  now  have  Jesus'  heartstrings  rent  asunder, 
(When  He  the  breach  of  Eden's  peace  made  good — ) 
Restored  the  broken  tie  of  human  brotherhood. 

X 

Here  is  the  first  response  to  Bethlehem's  song, 

In  this  Church  union,  this  divine  accord, 
As,  by  the  Spirit  gathered,  the  whole  throng 


PENTECOST.  4 

Sit  there  in  waiting  prayer  before  the  Lord. 

No  words  the  full,  expectant  hearts  afford, 
For  supplication  has  gone  up,  they  know. 

Sure  that  He  will  the  answering  grace  extend. 
See  every  beaming  face  with  Faith  aglow, 

That  in  an  instant  from  their  Heavenly  Friend. 

The  Promise  of  the  Father  may  descend. 

XI. 

It  comes,  it  comes,  and  suddenly,  for,  lo, 
A  rushing  mighty  wind  the  house  has  filled. 

That  prayer  is  heard,  God's  answering  tokens  show 
The  Promise  of  the  Father  is  fulfilled, 
And  to  the  inmost  soul  they  all  are  thrilled, 

As  now  appearing  cloven  tongues  of  fire 
Sit  upon  each  of  them — The  Holy  Ghost 

His  Sons  and  Daughters  does  alike  inspire, 
Nor  can  the  strong  against  the  weaker  boast ; 
Alike  the  Gift  of  tongues  descends  on  all  the  Host. 

XII. 

God  of  Gods,  Light  of  Lights,  Spirit  Eternal, 
Abundant  in  comfort,  almighty  in  grace, 

Descending  to  Earth  in  thy  glory  supernal, 
Token  that  Jesus,  High  Priest  of  our  race 
Has  entered  for  us  to  the  Holiest  Place 

In  the  Heaven  of  Heavens — Good  Spirit,  we  bow, 
And  bless  thee,  and  praise  thee  in  Love's  adoration. 

Oh !  welcome  to  Earth,  Gracious  Spirit,  art  thou. 


44  PENTECOST. 


Witness  divine  of  a  Perfect  Salvation, 
Harbinger  Dove  of  the  world's  restoration. 

XIII. 

Even  as  the  Spirit  gives  them  utterance, 
They  all  with  other  tongues  begin  to  speak, 

And,  lo,  the  tidings  spread  abroad  at  once, 
And  wondering  multitudes  the  Temple  seek. 
Jerusalem,  this  Pentecostal  week, 

Has  strangers  from  each  nation  under  Heaven ; 
Proselytes  gathered  to  the  Jewish  fold 

Come  to  keep  up  the  Day  the  Law  was  given. 
These  with  the  native  throngs  shall  now  behold, 
How  the  New  Testament  transcends  the  Old. 

XIV. 

Coming  together  all  confounded  are, 

Because  each  man  in  his  own  language  hears 

The  rapt,  inspired  company  declare 

That  which  was  dimly  seen  by  ancient  seers, 
But  now  in  fullest  grace  to  man  appears, 

Nor  shadow  of  past  darkness  intervenes. 

And  what  is  this,  they  say,  to  day  upsprung  ? 

Behold,  all  these  that  speak  are  Galileans ; 
How  hear  we  every  man  in  our  own  tongue 
Declare  His  risen  Day  of  whom  the  prophets  aung  ? 

XV. 

A  part  thus  thoughtful  hear  the  word  divine ; 
But  others,  unbelievers,  mocking  say, 


PENTECOST.  45 


These  men  are  drunken  full  of  the  new  wine. 
Thus  sin-blind  Doubt  gropes  at  the  noon  of  Dav, 
And  would  the  very  voice  of  God  gainsay  : 

But  rising  with  the  eleven,  Peter  stands 
In  his  new  baptism  all  illuminate, 

At  once  the  silenced  crowd,  his  voice  commands. 
Round  him  the  wondering  people  congregate, 
As  if  upon  his  lips  hung  their  eternal  fate. 

XVI. 

Dwellers  in  Judea,  know  ye  what  I  say, 

Hearken  ye  to  the  truth  my  words  disclose ; 

Seeing  it  is  the  third  hour  of  the  day, 

These  are  not  drunk  with  wine  as  ye  suppose, 
But  this  is  that  the  Prophet  Joel  shows, 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days, 
Saith  God,  I  pour  my  Spirit  from  on  high 

Upon  all  flesh.    In  its  redundant  rays 

Shall  all  your  sons  and  daughters  prophesy, 
Even  as  the  glory  of  the  Lord  draws  nigh. 

XVII. 

Your  young  men  shall  see  visions,  your  old  meti 
Shall  be  illumined  by  prophetic  dreams  ; 

Yea,  on  my  Servants  and  my  handmaidens 
In  equal  power,  fall  the  prophetic  beams, 
God  purely  equal  all  His  children  deems. 

(What,  shall  slaves  prophesy  ?  and  can  it  be 

That  the  most  High  shall  dwell  and  walk  in  them  ? 


PENTECOST. 


Yea,  where  His  Spirit  lives,  is  Liberty, 
Oh  !  let  me  kiss  for  this  the  very  hem 
Of  Jesus  robe,  and  bless.  His  princely  Diadem.  ^ 

XVIII. 

"I  will  show  wonders  in  the  Heavens  on  high, 
And  signs  portentous  in  the  Earth  below, 

Blood,  fire,  columns  of  smoke  along  the  sky, 
The  moon  shall  wear  a  lurid  fiery  glow, 
The  darkened  Sun  no  more  its  light  shall  show  : 

Yet  shall  it  surely  come  to  pass  that  all, 

How  e'er  before  by  Satan's  power  enslaved. 

Who  on  the  name  of  Christ  our  Lord  shall  call, 
Shall  through  the  power  of  that  dear  name  be  saved' 

XIX. 

Then  does  the  Spirit  in  his  speech  infuse 

Such  judgment  words  as  pierce  their  hearts  in  twain, 

Shewing  the  trembling  and  convicted  Jews 

How  they  the  glorious  Prince  of  Life  had  slain. 
When  Pilate  would  have  let  Him  go  again. 

Now  as  they  hear  these  things,  like  fiery  darts 

The  burning  words  of  Peter  search  them  through. 

Fear  and  Remorse  now  pricked  them  in  their  hearts. 
And  pale  the  conscience  stricken  people  grew, 
Crying  aloud,  "Brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ?" 

XX. 

Peter  with  words  of  healing,  here  begins. 
Repent,  and  be  baptized   in  Jesus'  name — 


PENTECOST.  47 

Piaptixed  lor  the  remission  of  your  sins. 

The  Holy  Ghost  will  fall  on  you,  the  same 
As  erst  on  us  in  cloven  tongues  of  flame. 

Through  (rod's  great  love  you  and  your  children  both 
Arc  heirs  of  Promise  ;  yea.  it  runs  to  all 

Whom,  faithful  to  His  Everlasting  oath 

.Made  to  our  Great  High  Priest  before  the  Kail, 
The  Father  in  His  ]  dent  eons  grace  shall   call. 


XXI. 

(II  M.-AN)  Three   Thousand    in    His    name   hapti/ed  to 
day  1 

Thy  name  and  mine.  Dear  Enos.  with  them  found  ! 
How  poorly  word*  my  heart's  full  joy  convey, 

The  very  air  of  Heaven  is  all  around, 

.Jerusalem  to  day  is  Holy  Ground. 
Oh!  look,  the  mellowing  skies  do  teem   Mith   grace. 

Nature  herself  as  a  clear  mirror  shows 
The  Ix-auty  of  our  loved  Redeemer's  face. 

Were  ever,  Enos,  skies  as  fair  as  those, 

In  all  the  loveliness  of  His  divine  repose  ? 

XXII. 

Each  ripple  of  the  wrave,  is  melody  ; 

The  sweet  voiced  breezes  tell  me  my  salvation. 

All  things  are  changed,  else  is  the  change  in  me  ; 
Around  me  now  appears  the  new  Creation, 
And  my  heart  leaps  in  holy  gratulation, 


48  PENTECOST. 

Save  tli at  I  cannot  bear  with  thee  to  part, 
Since  thou  and  I  in  Jesus  are  made  one. 

There  is  no  shade  of  grief  upon  ray  heart, 
But  now  I  see  the  day  is  nearly  done, 
And  thou  must  leave  me  with  the  setting  Sun. 
XXIII. 

(Exos)  Haran,  I  brought  a  costly  offering  here, 
But  with  a  priceless  Gift  I  now  return  ; 

For  what  are  all  the  treasures  held  so  dear, 
To  the  rich  Love  that  in  my  soul  does  burn  ? 
My  gods  of  Gold  and  Silver  now  I  spurn, 

No  mention  shall  be  made  of  rubies  rare, 

Diamonds  and  gems  are  found  of  little  worth, 

I  own  a  precious  pearl  beyond  compare  ; 

My  soul,  enlarged  from  the  gross  chains  of  Earth, 
Feels,  even  to  Extacy,  the  Second  Birth  ! 
XXIV. 

The  Rabbi  Nicodemus  goes  with  me, 

Whose  heart  the  memory  of  Christ  embalms. 

Once  more  he'll  tell  that  blessed  histoiy 
Which  my  Elizabeth  so  deeply  charms. 
Beneath  the  shadow  of  our  spreading  palms, 

Now  she  will  find  me  ready  witness  bring- 
To  every  truth  and  fact  that  he  relates 

Concerning  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord  and  King. 
But,  friend,  farewell,  the  Caravan  awaits 
My  coming  now  outside  the  City  Gates. 

\_They  salute  and  part] 


PENTECOST.  49 

XXV. 

(HA KAN,  tinlnx.)    (lone  is  my   friend,  and  1   am  left 

alone — 
Yet  not  alone,  Jesus  within  me  dwells. 

A  conscious  Peace  is  o'er  my  spirit  thrown, 
So  sweet,  it  even  Rapture's  self  excels, 
And  not  M  thought,  against  that  Peace  rebels. 

Oh  !  what  a  day  to  me  the  past  has  been— 
A  day  more  bright  than  Paradise  could  boast, 

K'er  the  primeval  Earth  knew  shade  of  sin — 
Day  of  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
()  day  of  blessedness  !     O  sacred  Pentecost  ! 

XXVI. 

Conn-  gentle  night,  call  out  each  listening  Star, 
And  tell  the  Story  to  those  radiant  seers: 

Then  let  them  tell  it  to  the  worlds  afar, 
Till  all  the  universe  the  wonder  hears, 
Awakening  the  old  music  of  the  Spheres. 

Whose  lovely  keynote  broken  at  Adam's  fall, 
Jarred  into  discord  and  the  strain  was  lost. 

From  silence  now  the  Chorus  grand  recall 
Be  this  the  Refrain  of  the  Starry  Host, 
The  tongues  of  flame — the  Day  of  Pentecost! 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
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